As Tripura latest flu-hit, NIV says birds from China, Siberia suspect

Dr A C Mishra, Director of the Pune-based NIV, told The Indian Express: “Bird flu through migratory birds is a well established fact. However, it can be said that migratory birds from China and some from Siberia may be responsible for causing the bird flu here. The strain here which is evolving very fast is also available in Pakistan, Russia and Germany where the same birds migrate.”

Experts have been collecting samples of bird droppings as they try to zero-in on the reasons for the outbreak. “Majority of the birds from China like coots and mallards come down here in the winters. Local poultry comes in contact with these birds, resulting in the spread of the virus,” Dr Mishra said.

According to Khudsar, the virus spreads from migratory birds to ducks and then to other poultry. “You will find lots of ducks in Manipur and West Bengal. Since they keep themselves close to wetlands, affected migratory birds spread the virus to the ducks which is then passed on to poultry.”